On Tuesday last week, two starved and distressed horses appeared at Gunning Showground.
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"They just turned up there," said Upper Lachlan Shire Council ranger Derek Shaw.
"I went down immediately and had a look at them, and assessed their condition," said Mr Shaw.
"As they had been abandoned on public land, I impounded them."
He said that photos don't do justice to their terrible state.
"It's true that the camera puts on 10 pounds - they were much worse than they appear in the photos," he said.
"It wasn't just the weight, there are other underlying issues as well as well.
"They were in an extremely distressed condition."
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The horses were not claimed in the prescribed period, which means they have now been surrendered to the RSPCA.
They have been taken to an undisclosed location for veterinary attention.
"I don't know if they will follow up with charges - that's up to RSPCA and police," said Mr Shaw.
He said that while the horses were impounded he was very impressed and grateful for the help he received from the Gunning community.
"A vet gave assistance as to their diet, and one resident even placed horse rugs over the animals to protect them against the cold weather," he said.
"I want to thank them for all their help."
